FIFA CWC Final: Mikel Obi Backs Chelsea to Upset PSG, Citing Athleticism, Young Talent
John Obi Mikel, a former Nigeria and Chelsea FC midfielder, thinks his team can shock French Ligue 1 team Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the FIFA Club World Cup Final.
Mikel cited Chelsea’s agility and young, talented team as crucial elements that may help them win, even if PSG had a dominant run to the championship game.
After defeating Real Madrid 4-0 in their semi-final, PSG has been in outstanding form and appears to be “the best side in the world,” according to Mikel.
On talkSPORT, though, the former captain of the Super Eagles made an unexpected prediction: “If any team can beat this PSG side, I think it’s Chelsea.”
Mikel elaborated on his reasoning, stating, “The way we’re playing, the team that we got—we’ve got also a very, very good young team as well that can compete.” He particularly emphasised Chelsea’s physical attributes, which he believes can match PSG’s high-intensity style of play. “I think one thing that they actually use in terms of the way they play against teams is that they’re very, very athletic. They have pace and power—that’s something we have as well.”
Chelsea defeated Fluminense 2-0 to guarantee their place in the final, while PSG’s run included convincing wins against Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Atlético Madrid.
A PSG club on the verge of a historic quintuple will face a young Chelsea team that has developed dramatically throughout the campaign in the final, which will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
